3:17-18

Today's Scripture

Now you've finished this devotional. You've been "forewarned" as Peter tells his readers. You've read about how people want to corrupt the truth and lead you into believing things that aren't true. You've read about how you need to know the truth and know God because therein lies your ability to stand firm in what you know. Keep these truths close to your heart and "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Pursue Him with everything you are because in Him are riches of wisdom and love and grace. And without Him you'll never be able to stand firm in this glorious faith. He is worth all the time, energy, and effort you can give to following hard after Him.

Study Questions:

1. How can you "be on your guard" this summer?

2. What will you do to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"?

3. Make a list of specific things you will do in your pursuit of knowing God and His word.

3:15-16

Today's Scripture

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the things of the Bible. Peter admits here that some of the things that Paul writes are hard to understand. So what hope do we have if even Peter struggled? We have the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. If we are depedent on Him, He will give us understanding and stability in the Word of God just as He gave Paul and the other writers the wisdom to write it.

Study Questions:

1. What does it mean for our understanding of Scripture that God gave Paul the wisdom to write what he wrote but some of it is difficult to comprehend? What does that say about Scripture?

2. When people distort Scripture, it is to their own destruction. Is that what you anticipate happening? In what way would people be destroyed by their distortion of Scripture?

3. What will you do to guard yourself against distorting and/or misunderstanding Scripture?

3:14

Today's Scripture

“Mom does everyone set goals for themselves?” Christian asked. “Most people do,” answered his mom. Christian and his mom were talking about goals. Christian learned that a goal is when someone has their mind set on something and tries to direct every bit of their effort to reaching that thing their mind and heart was set on. Christian’s mom gave him an example: if a boy had his heart set on growing up to play in the NFL he would strive and do his best in football to reach the NFL.

In 2nd Peter 3:14 we have three goals that Peter has asked us to Strive for. Since we are looking forward to a new heaven and earth the goals are to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.

Study Questions:

1. Are you looking forward to the same thing Peter has asked us to look forward to (take a look at 2 Peter 3:11-13)?

2. When Peter says “make every effort” does this mean working in your own strengths? (Look over chapter 1)

3. What does it mean to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him?

4. Are you “making every effort” to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him? If not what is standing in your way?

5. What are some things you can change to begin living a life that is spotless, blameless and at peace with God?

3:11-13

Today's Scripture


Just as the earth was judged in the past, it will one day be judged again and like Noah, we are called to prepare for that day. Grasping this truth should bring about a change in your life. What you are looking forward will be evident in how you live your life. It is the driving force behind your actions, your choices and your words.

When God called the Israelites to be holy, He wanted them to act different from the world around them. They were a special people, chosen by God, and they were to live their lives for Him. This is true for us who confess Christ as Lord. We are to separate ourselves from the sinfulness of this world and set our heart on what is pleasing to God. Maintaining a godly life involves growing in your knowledge of Him and then putting into practice what you learn. It’s not just hearing the Word of God, but actually living it!

Study Questions:

1. Have you truly grasped the truth that one day the Lord will return?

2. Should this change how you live your life and look at your future? Why or why not?

3. Is there evidence in your life that reflects your choice of living a holy and godly life?

4. Are you ready to make a change? What are some practical steps you can begin taking to help you live a life characterized by holiness and godliness?

3:10

Today's Scripture

What do we know about how theives come? Do they send you a postcard in the mail first? Do they hang out at your house for a week before they rob you? Do they make a lot of noise and yell "I'm here to rob you" when they come? Of course not. A thief comes with no announcement, suddenly and quietly. In the same way Christ will come back for us suddenly. He won't send us a bunch of signs first. The sign of Him coming will be when He comes. We'll know He's coming when He gets here. So our job in the meantime is to always be ready. Live every day like He's coming today. Continue making plans and living life, but do so with the knowledge that at any time He may interupt it all and take us home.

Study Questions:

1. The word 'thief' is a metaphor for the way Christ will come. In what ways will He not be like a thief?

2. Do you look forward to Christ coming back? Why or why not? If you want to be more excited about His coming look up Scriptures about Heaven and being with Him and how things will be there.

3. How do you continue to live your life while hoping in the fact that Christ could come back anytime?

3:8-9

Today's Scripture

Jesus has not returned to the earth yet so that more people may be saved. God's desire is that all would repent. Sometimes it seems like this earth is so wicked and we cannot understand why God lets it continue. But at this very moment there are people walking around that do not know Him that He wants to bring to Himself. Think of people you know that haven't accepted Christ as savior yet. It may be for them and others like them that the Lord waits to come back and get us. When you feel discouraged about the state of this world, remember that it only continues because all over the world God is still saving people, bringing them into new life with Himself.

Study Questions:

1. What does it mean that God has promised us He will return? What does that tell us about how confident we can be that it will happen?

2. God is demonstrating patience here. How can you show patience in the way you think of the problems of the world?

3. What does it tell you about God that He desires all to come to repentance?

3:5-7

Today's Scripture

The world and the earth are the Lord's. He created them by His word and will use them as He pleases. Often we forget that this earth is God's. The fall has corrupted many things about the creation and has left us feeling like God must not be involved here anymore. But the truth is that He is intimately involved with His creation. He uses it as He wills and in the end He'll use the creation to judge all the wickedness that the fall has brought about. We do well to remember these things about God, unlike those who "deliberately forgot."

Study Questions:

1. What destruction is verse 6 talking about? Verse 7?

2. Why is it good to remember that God created the earth?

3. Do you ever forget that God is the creator and is in control? What can you do to remind yourself of those things?

3:3-4

Today's Scripture


There will always be people who doubt the truth. It is part of living in a world affected by the fall. There will always be those people who think they have a list of reasons why your faith is wrong. But regardless what they say - what everyone around you may say - there is coming a day when Christ will return to the earth. And there is evidence of His work on the earth all around us. But the "scoffers" and doubters aren't able to see that. They won't accept that it is God who is in control and will one day return for us. But we know these things are true and they give us hope.



Study Questions:


1. What about the "evil desires" of these people do you think makes them scoff at the return of Christ?


2. Do you believe God is still working in the world? If so, how have you seen evidence of that?


3. Do you hope in His coming? How are you demonstrating that hope?

3:1-2

Today's Scripture

We need to be reminded of good things. We don't naturally think "wholesome" or in godly ways. We think about things the way the world thinks about them. We worry and stress and try to impress those around us with our fashion or intelligence or movie trivia or whatever we think will impress them. We need to be reminded of God and what He has done for us in His son Jesus. We need to remember that He saved us and called us and made us different than the world. We need to be reminded that we're His and we're accepted and loved and desired by Him. We need to hear those things over and over because we forget them over and over. If you ever think you've arrived in a place where you don't need to hear about how Christ saves us and calls us and makes us His own, you're wrong. You always need to hear that story. And often the times you feel least like hearing it are the times you need it the most.

Peter asks his Christian brothers and sisters to remember the prophecies that they learned from the past and how these all came true through Jesus – the author of these words. So, now knowing Jesus and the truth, we follow our Savior’s command.

Study Questions:

List: Read all of 2 Peter 3 and make a list of the facts you can find in the chapter. See what God teaches you as you write them down. Example: verse 4 – They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. Have you ever heard or thought this before?

Link: Write 2 Peter 3:1-2 in your own words. What does wholesome thinking mean? What command did Jesus give the apostles? Hint: look-up Luke 24: 44 – 47.

Live: Are you excited to hear people talk about Jesus or do you groan about hearing another message about the "same old stuff"? How do you refresh your spirit when you grow weary and tired and feel like you already know the things you're hearing?

2:20-22

Today's Scripture

Don't turn your back on following Christ. There are stern warnings in Scripture about those who profess faith and then turn to living like one who doesn't know Christ. When you choose to follow Him, committ with your whole heart and follow through with a life that reflects Him. This Scripture says that those who know Him have had a "sacred command" passed to them. Never treat what is sacred as something ordinary or common. This is an extraordinary calling meant to be pursued with our whole lives.

Study Questions:

1. In what way could you be "entangled in the corruption of the world"?

2. In the last verse what do mud and vomit symbolize?

3. Do you think of being a follower of Christ as a high calling? If you don't, read what Scripture has to say about being a Christ follower.

2:19

Today's Scripture

We rarely choose to do something because we think it will make us a slave. It's the pursuit of freedom that we're after. And sin always promises freedom. It says drugs and alcohol will set you free from your inhibitions; premarital sex will set you free from your lust; pride will free you from your insecurities. But it's never true. Sin always leads to slavery. Drugs and alcohol enslave you to a false sense of relief that only lead to needing more drugs and alcohol. Premarital sex enslaves you spiritually, emotionally, and physically to a person you're not in a lifelong commitment with. Pride enslaves you to the praises of others and your own drive to exalt yourself. Sin always leads to slavery. The kicker is it always promises freedom. But you know what? Sin lies.

Study Questions:

1. Is there any situation where it is a good thing to be a slave? (Hint: think of other Scriptures about being a slave)

2. What sin most often tempts you with the promise of freedom? How does that sin really enslave you?

3. How can you best resist sin's temptation of freedom?

2:17-18

Today's Scripture

We learned in verse 14 that these false teachers ‘seduce the unstable,’…those who are not walking closely with the Lord, those who have not put into practice what Peter talked about in 1:3-11. Once caught in this life of deception, the pleasure and desire soon vanish leaving the unexpected feelings of guilt, pain, shame, remorse, and sometimes even overwhelming feelings of emptiness. Escaping a lifestyle of deception can be extremely difficult and seem near impossible.

To escape literally means to ‘cut and run.’ If an imprisoned solider broke free from the enemy, you can be sure they’re not going to stand around outside the enemy camp. No, they’re going to take off running, full sprint in the opposite direction. When you’ve been freed from the entanglement of sin, you can’t camp out at its backdoor. Imprisonment is only a step away. The attraction of these sinful desires that allowed you to be deceived in the first place are dangled right in front of you enticing you to indulge in them once more. To stay free, you ‘cut and run’. Run in the opposite direction….you run to the truth. The opposite of what these false teachers are teaching is the truth Peter teaches in the first chapter. He tells us that God has given us ‘His divine power and precious promises’ which allow us to ‘participate in the divine nature, escaping the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.’

Study Questions:

1. Draw a line. On one side of the line write ‘life of error’ and the other write ‘life of truth’. Without stepping over the line into a ‘life of error’, where is the closest spot you could stand to that life?

2. Reading verse 18, if you’ve “just escaped from those who live in error” where would you be standing?

3. Is it okay to stand as close to the line as possible? Why or why not?

4. Peter says at the end of 1:10, “For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” If you’re not going to stumble, I get the feeling it’s implying you’re not even close to the stumbling block! Re-read 1:5-8 and list of some things you can work on so you do not stumble, become unstable, easily seduced into or enticed back into a life of sin?

2:15-16

Today's Scripture

Have you ever done something stupid and been humbled by the way God shows you your wrongdoing? Perhaps it was a younger sibling who held you accountable, or a friend who hasn’t been a Christian as long as you have. Just think how it would feel to have an animal speak to you and tell you you’ve messed up! That’s what happened to Balaam. You can read the whole story in Numbers 22.

The short story is that he was a not-so-good guy who had been called by the king of Moab to bring curses on Israel. God told him to go and only say the words HE would give Balaam. But Balaam’s heart and intentions were not right. God sent an angel to block his way, which he didn’t see, but his donkey did. The donkey tried 3 times to avoid the angel in her path. After beating his donkey each time to keep on moving, the donkey asks: “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” God then opens Balaam’s eyes and he sees the Angel blocking the road. He realizes his sin.

Study Questions:

1. Do you have someone in your life to keep you in check for your sins?

2. What are specific things you can do to keep from leaving the straight path/right road you are on now?

3. How can you recognize false teachers who may be trying to lead you astray?

4. To do today! Study the Bible so that you can know when someone is giving misleading information. Have an accountability partner with whom you can honestly share your struggles.

2:14

Today's Scripture

Notice who is being targeted in this verse - the unstable. False teachers look for those who do not have a solid foundation. Stability means you know what you believe and why you believe it; you've made decisions about your faith that are personal and well thought out and you can defend your reasons for believing those things. If you are not stable, you put yourself at risk for being misled by people who are targeting individuals like you. Know what you believe. Know why. And be prepared to defend yourself against those who would deceive you.

Study Questions:

1. Do you know what you believe about things like salvation, the deity of Jesus, the cleansing of sin, etc.

2. Could you defend your belief against someone who disagreed with you?

3. How can you better prepare yourself for defending your faith?

2:12-13

Today's Scripture

Have you ever heard of the statement, “wolf in sheep skin”? That would be someone who talks a good game (blaspheme in matters they do not understand) seems composed yet lacks self control (creatures of instinct) and will be around the people who will give them a good name (reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you). These people may act like they are following Christ and wanting to be a part of the church but you look at them and think, “something just doesn’t fit.” That's because they are playing the game but aren't truly following Christ.


Study Questions:

OBSERVATION:
Why does Peter want us to know that there will be those who seem like they are tracking with God but something just isn’t right? Are you able to identify who they are among those you know or even part of your close circle?

PRINCIPLES:
Are you on guard? Or do you get sucked in without realizing “you're discussing matters you don’t understand?”

APPLICATION:How are you doing at discerning friendships and who you spend time with? What will you change or do differently, especially as you enter school next year and are in classes with different group students? Who will you apply this to your life (a good application will tell who, what, and when)?

2:10-11

Today's Scripture

Bold arrogance is an attribute of those following sinful desires; it should not be a characteristic of believers in Christ. Peter uses the angels to give us an example of how to deal with the state of demons and supernatural beings. Though angels are much more powerful than us right now, they don't see the need to abuse those destined for destruction. We, following their example, should be aware that there are demonic beings and that they are bound for destruction, but we should also be aware that Christ will deal with them and it is inappropriate for us to be flippant and arrogant about that fact. Respect the fact that there are spiritual beings in the world with far greater power than us, but rest in the knowledge that Christ our Savior is greater than them all and He watches over us.

Study Questions:

1. Do you believe in spiritual beings like angels and demons? Do you know what the Bible says will happen to them in the future?

2. Do you think it is important that despicing authority is associated with following sinful desires? What does that mean for our response to authority?

3. Where does judgment come from in verse 11?

2:9

Today's Scripture

The Lord knows how to rescue you. He hasn't forgotten; He isn't incapable; He has your life and your trials in His hand. Now that doesn't always mean He'll take us out of trials in this life. But it does mean that in the end He will deliver us completely from sin and Satan and this fallen world. He's also fully capable of taking care of punishing the unrighteous. Sometimes in this life we see people doing horrible things with seemingly no punishment. Though it may not be obvious now, God will bring punishment on those people. He has punishment and reward in His hands and He will make everything right in the end.

Study Questions:

1. What is the phrase "if this is so" referring back to?

2. Do you live with the understanding that reward and punishment don't always happen in this life but are coming?

2:7-8

Today's Scripture

Do you blush? Have you ever found your jaw open from something that took you off guard? There is so much in our culture today like scenes in movies, language in the halls, clothes that don’t cover up much or have words on places that attract your eye to a certain part of the body, etc. Does it make you blush or have you become desensitized? It says Lot was distressed or even oppressed by all the unrighteousness going on around him.

Study Questions:

LIST: make a list of things you hear and see regularly on tv, movies, games, school, sports team, etc. that is typical of our culture today.

LINK: Look up Jeremiah 6:15. How does the Lord describe those who have become desensitized?

LIVE: Do you blush anymore? Do you feel the tug of conviction when a cuss word flies or an inappropriate conversation occurs among friends? How can you live among the “filth” and become sensitive to the point it burdens your heart to prayer?

Will you chose to influence without being influenced yourself? Look up Daniel 1:8. Does it say Daniel did? The word resolved means “to set your heart” on not being defiled. If your heart is set on not being defiled then these things then you will be sensitive to them.

Have you checked your sensitivity lately? Do you need to resolve or set you heart in some areas? Take time to pray and ask God where you have lost touch or feeling?

2:4-6

Today's Scripture

There are things about our faith that are difficult. Things we may even wish weren't there. But they are. And they're true. It's important for us to know that judgment is a coming reality. When Christ judges the living and the dead, those who are not His will receive wrath. Peter argues for the reality of this judgment by reminding us of those who have already been judged by God. It is a vital part of the character of God that He judges unrighteousness. For us that is even more reason to be thankful for the work of Christ on the cross. He bore the wrath of God so that those who believe in Him don't have to. We should never forget that those who do not believe in Him still have that wrath in their future.

Study Questions:

1. Is it important that you believe that God judges sin? Why or why not?

2. What does God's protection of Noah tell us about God's character?

3. How should it affect us to realize that judgment for nonbelievers is real?

2:1-3

Today's Scripture

There will always be people who teach false things about the gospel. The truth will always come under attack. We should not be surprised when we hear that people have taken the truth and changed it in some way. Though it should hurt us to see such deceit, it should not surprise us.

So, how do we prepare ourselves for such false teachings? The answer is we know the truth well. Know the gospel and the Scripture so that when someone comes along with something that doesn't sound quite right, you'll know what's wrong. So, like Peter keeps telling us, grow in your knowledge of God. It will protect you when false teaching comes your way.

Study Questions:

1. What is the risk for not recognizing false teaching?

2. What motivates these false teachers?

3. What does the end look like for false teachers?

1:19-21

Today's Scripture

It’s a great feeling to be absolutely sure of something, isn’t it? When you just know you know, it gives you confidence and the ability to “hold fast” to it - despite what anyone else may say or think.

It was like that for the early disciples. Look at verse 19. The Message translation reads this way: “We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice”. “We could not be more sure”… think of the confidence Peter had when he wrote those words. He goes on to explain in vs. 21 that “The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion”. In essence, what Peter is saying is this: You can be sure that Scripture is purely a God thing. Therefore, pay attention to it and do what it says!

Think about that for a second. Your Bible contains the very words God gave to the prophets and New Testament Apostles. So when you are reading it, you’re not merely reading what somebody thinks about God, you are reading what God Himself thinks!

Does that cause you to hold your Bible in higher esteem? It does me. I know that I know the Bible contains the very words and thoughts of God. And though I may not always be able to live up to the Biblical standard, I have no doubt in my mind that it is the standard God wants me to follow.

So, pay attention to what the Bible has to say, young believer. You can have complete confidence it is the real deal. Read it, study it, obey it and your life will shine brighter as a result!


Study Questions:

1. Do you believe the Bible is strictly God’s word and not merely the thoughts of men?

2. If you do believe, how is that changing the way you live?

3. Have you ever had to “hold fast” to what the Bible says, despite what your friends/classmates believe is the correct thing to do?

1:16-18

Today's Scripture

There are a lot of stories going around about who God is. Muslims have a story; Mormons have a story; even people who think we can't know what God is like have a story about it. But Peter wants us to know, this isn't just a good story. Peter has seen the majesty and glory of Jesus firsthand. He wants us to know he is trustworthy to tell us the truth about God. The appropriate response on our part is to listen carefully to what he's going to tell us.

Study Questions:

1. What event is Peter referring back to in these verses?

2. What are some "cleverly devised stories" you often hear that are not true but people believe them?

3. Look up the word 'majesty' in the dictionary. Then think about what it means for Peter to have seen Jesus' majesty.

1:12-15

Today's Scripture

Have you ever sat in church or in class thinking you have heard this all before, over and over, blah, blah, blah. Peter is reminding even those who are firmly established or mature in their walk with the Lord, still need a refresher. He even says that he will make every effort that they remember. When I hear a sermon topic that I am familiar with, instead of moaning about hearing the same old, same old, I ask God to teach me something new or show me what I have missed in the past because of my attitude.


Study Questions:

1. 2 Peter 1:5 says to make every effort to add to your faith, knowledge…
How will you add to your faith, to your knowledge? How will you refresh your memory?

2. Peter says he will remind us of “these things”. Look back starting at verse 5 through 11. What things do we need to be reminded of?

3. Even though you know these things, why do we drift from them?

4. Who is in your life that will always be able to remind you of these things? Do you rely on the Holy Spirit to speak these truths to you? Do you have friends that will not let things slide? Will you be one of those friends that will speak truth?

1:10-11

Today's Scripture

There are many times in life where we desire to be a part of something great. Making the football team, landing a spot on the cheerleading squad, or being elected to the Student Council. We long to be a part of this “group” and in many cases, we must be “chosen” to be included. What happens after we get picked to be a part of this group? Do we just sit around complacently and do nothing since we’ve already made the cut? Or do we work to be the best that we can and do as much as possible to represent the group well? I think it’s safe to assume that most of us would completely put our heart into it and do as much as we could to improve ourselves and the group. The same can be said for our Christian walk. Just because our salvation is not dependent upon any works or deeds, that does not give us the right to live our lives any way we want. In this passage, Peter reminds us that we are to live as the chosen people of Christ. We are not to simply sit idly and let ourselves just scrape by. We have to live a life worthy of this calling. It is our duty and privilege to contribute to the advancement of the Kingdom. And while perfection and a sinless life are not possible, intentional and purposeful obedience to the Lord is expected. By living your life in this way, your reward in heaven will be far greater than anything you can imagine.

Study Questions:

1. What are some of the ways you can fall into the trap of complacency in your walk with the Lord?

2. Think about some of these examples of ways that you can live your own life as a chosen child of God:

· Spend 10 minutes each day in quiet to listen to God
· Spend 10 minutes each day writing out your prayers to God
· Pick and memorize a verse this summer that you will say each day
· Identify something God is calling you to do and do it
· Serve by helping with yard work for a single mom or elderly in your neighborhood
· Invite a kid from your neighborhood who doesn’t normally get asked to hang out with
you or you and your friends
· Call out a friend in love who needs to hear truth instead of saying what they want to hear

3. Pick 2 of these that you will commit to do each day this summer so that they will become a habit for you.

4. Pray that the Lord will help you to start making changes in your life.

1:8-9

Today's Scripture

These verses are pretty clear as to what our actions will bring. If we continue to “go on this way” and add to our faith, we will grow strong spiritually. When we grow strong spiritually, we will become fruitful and useful. Those are good things, positive consequences.

On the other hand, if we do not continue to add to our faith, then our faith is blinded and we’ve forgotten what Jesus suffered for our sins. He suffered so that we may have a life free from sin, to be strong in him and for him.

Study Questions:

List: Make a list of the facts from these verses.

Link: Rewrite the verses with “I” instead of “you”.

Live: Determine which way you are living now, and decide if it’s the way you want to continue. Then choose an action to demonstrate it. For example: I want to continue to add to my faith, so I will demonstrate goodness to my mom by emptying the dishwasher without being asked, or clean my room (including dusting, vacuuming and finding the hamster) without being told, or mow the lawn by myself on Saturday.

1:5-7

Today's Scripture

These verses start out with the phrase "For this reason." The reason Peter looks back to includes the divine power and precious promises that God has given us, which allow us to partake of the divine and escape corruption. Because God is doing all this for us, we should "make every effort." Up to this point we have been discussing God's work in us and on our behalf. Now Peter turns it around and tells us what we should be doing. And he has a whole list of things that we should be chasing after: goodness and perserverace and affection. I don't know about you but that list makes me feel quite inadequate. I'm not sure how to get all those things. But Peter has already given us good news in verse three. We've got "divine power." His work in us is what will bring about all those great qualities. But that doesn't erase the fact that we should be chasing after them with all of our might. He gives us the power and the promises and all we need for a godly life. Our response should be to desire and pursue these qualities He loves.

Study Questions:

1. Which of these qualities do you most struggle with?

2. What do you think "making every effort" includes?

3. Do you think there is any reason Peter listed love last? Why or why not?

1:4

Today's Scripture

Participating in the divine nature - this promise is so huge that I have trouble wrapping my mind around it. We can participate in the divine and escape the corruption. There is no greater calling for your life. There is no earthly dream that can begin to compare to this reality. We will never do anything as important, as incredible, as satisfying as being a part of the divine. We're not God. No matter how much we participate, He is still the only all-powerful, all-knowing God. But that all-powerful, all-knowing God lives in us if we are believers in Him. And that is incredible. We are intimately connected to Him for all eternity. No one in your life will ever be closer than Him because He is in you. This is something to marvel over. It is the most special, intimate gift He has ever given. And we get to receive it. Wow.

Study Questions:

1. What kind of evidence do we see in our lives as believers that we're participating in the divine nature?

2. What does Peter say causes corruption in the world? Give some examples.

3. Do you know some of His great and precious promises to us? If not, look some up and write them down where you'll see them often. Reading them daily will bring you hope.

1:3

Today's Scripture

Everything we need - what a statement. We have everything we need. That statement should cause us to listen closely to what Peter is saying here. If you feel you don't have what you need, he tells you the area you're lacking in: divine power given through knowledge of God. Once again Peter is telling us that knowing God is key to living the Christian life. And this verse gives us a little more information about how that knowledge is transforming; God gives divine power through it. God is pleased when you learn more about who He is and how He relates to you. So pleased that he chooses to use that knowledge to be a conduit of His power in your life. So if you're not resting in Him, feeling the peace of knowing you have all that you need, seek a greater knowledge of who He is. Because, to paraphrase A. W. Tozer, the knowledge you gain about God will be the most important knowledge you ever gain. Read along in Second Peter. Come on Sundays to hear about the book of Mark. And contemplate the God who is revealed in these verses. What you find out may totally change your life.

Study Questions:

1. Where do we get everything we need, from within ourselves or from God?

2. Is this verse promising everything we feel we need or everything we need to be popular? What exactly is it promising everything we'll have everything for?

3. What does it mean to be "called by His own glory and goodness"?

1:2

Today's Scripture

Grace and peace - there are two things we are all after. Grace lets us know that even though we've messed up, God will still accept us. Peace makes life a thing we can experience and enjoy, not just something we suffer through. Can you imagine yourself living daily in God's forgiveness, experiencing a sense of peace through Him? It's a great picture isn't it? So at this point we should be asking ourselves how to get to that place. Pete tells us that we can have grace and peace and have them in abundance. All we need is the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Of course, this verse assumes that you are a believer and have accepted the free gift of salvation we talked about yesterday. Believers can grow in grace and peace by knowing more about who God is. Apparently, the greater our understanding of Him the more we are able to live in the grace and peace that He promises. That's how great God is: just knowing more about Him can change our whole outlook on life. Knowing that He is in control of everything will give us lots of peace. Knowing that every one of a believer's sins is nailed to the cross will teach us to live in grace. This is why it is so important to do devotions like this one. You're not just gaining facts, if you're a believer you're growing in grace and peace. And we all need more of that.

Study Questions:

1. What would your life look like if you were living more in grace and peace?

2. What are you doing to grow in the knowledge of God?

3. What aspect of God's character could you spend time thinking about that would bring your life more grace and peace?

1:1

Today's Scripture

Peter begins his letter stating his relationship and identity with Jesus Christ. It’s noteworthy that the term 'servant' is listed first, ahead of Peter’s role as an apostle. Peter is patterning his life to be like Christ when he states that he is a servant (see Philippians 2:7). We, as believers, are also called to be servants of Christ.

In Biblical writings, the word “righteousness” was a legal term meaning “to be declared in right standing with God.” Our verse tells us where righteousness comes from—it is the righteousness of our God & Savior Jesus Christ. Our sin separates us from fellowship and “right standing” with God. Our Holy God cannot be in the presence of sin. Therefore, we are all separated from the God who created us and desires to be have a relationship with us as our Heavenly Father. The GREAT news is that we can have eternal life with God if we receive “right standing before God” (Christ’s righteousness). This “right standing” is given us by accepting Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins, which separate us from God. And, it’s all FREE. We can’t earn it, we don’t deserve it, and we can’t lose it. That’s what I call GOOD NEWS!



STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. Do you think faith in Christ’s sacrificial death for you on the cross is a gift from God? What words from this passage lead you to think this way?

2. What must you, or anyone, accomplish to receive God’s forgiveness for your sins?

3. What will be different for you if you choose to follow the example of Christ and Peter to live as a servant?

Intro

Welcome!

Every day for the next thirty days you guys will be able to come here and find a devotion from 2 Peter. Each will begin with a link like this one: Today's Scripture that will take you to the Scriptures being discussed that day. Then you'll find some thoughts on the Scripture and some study questions.

Questions/Comments are required by all!! Okay, just kidding. But if you do have questions or comments, this is the place. Feel free to use this space as a forum for discussion or to ask us questions.

Hope to see you soon!

Over and out.